JACKSON COUNTY — Jackson County and the state will begin buying right of way before the end of the year for a new road that will parallel Interstate 10 and connect a popular shopping area in Harrison County with West Jackson County.

The Sun Herald reports the Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted for Neel-Schaffer to handle surveys and plats necessary for acquiring the right of way for what is known as the I-10 connector.

The project is designed to alleviate the traffic problems on the route from Jackson County to the shopping area and Harrison County and take some of the pressure off I-10 in that area.

Jackson County Road Manager Joe O’Neal says to build the road will entail buying 53 parcels, 21 of which will mean moving homes.